Bhubaneswar, September 9: The Orissa High Court has rejected Bidyabharati Mohapatra’s plea seeking exemption from personal appearance before the trial court in connection with the mysterious death of her husband, ACF Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra.
The court directed her to appear before the trial court by October 1, observing that her personal presence could not be waived at this stage given the seriousness of the case.
Soumya Ranjan, who was posted at Paralakhemundi, died under mysterious circumstances. Police initially registered a case against Bidyabharati and cook Manmath Kumbha under Sections 302 and 120-B of the IPC, but later chargesheeted Bidyabharati under Section 304-A.
Following a protest petition, the Magistrate ordered proceedings under Sections 302 and 120-B against the accused. The High Court had upheld the order in July 2025.
Bidyabharati cited difficulties in travelling over 524 km from her workplace in Mayurbhanj for repeated hearings. The court, however, declined exemption for now, while allowing her to seek it later if required.
As she apprehends arrest, the High Court directed her to apply for bail when she appears before the trial court. If bail is denied, she can approach the Sessions Court the same day.
